Pope Benedict XVI talks to astronauts at International Space Station, a first time in history (Video)

Pope Benedict XVI talked to astronauts in space via a video call as shown below, which is a first time in history for a pope to communicate with someone in space.

Pope Benedict XVI talks to astronauts in spaceImage Credit: Space.com

As reported at Space.com on Saturday, May 21, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI made a video call to the astronauts at the International Space Station that day, at 7:11 a.m. EDT.

The pope’s video call came from the Foconi Room of the Vatican Library in Rome, Italy and was organized by the European Space Agency (ESA).

Apparently, Pope Benedict XVI talked to the 12 astronauts which consists of the crew of Endeavor STS-134 and Expedition 27, including two Italian astronauts Paolo Nespoli and Roberto Vittori.

“Dear astronauts, I am very happy to have this extraordinary opportunity to converse with you during your mission and especially grateful to be able to speak to so many of you as both crews are present on the space station at this time,” Pope Benedict XVI said, as being translated in English.

“This conversation gives me the chance to express my own admiration and appreciation to you and all those collaborating making your mission possible and offer my heartfelt encouragement to bring it to a safe and successful conclusion,” The Pope added.

Pope Benedict XVI also asked the astronauts about their adventure in space and their personal connection with God, and told Paolo Nespoli he prayed for her mother who passed away recently.

Meanwhile, the Pope also talked to Endeavor’s Commander Mark Kelly and told him he knew what happened to his wife Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and he hopes that she will get well soon.